NFL notebook: Young wins rookie honor
Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans won The Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year Award on Wednesday.
Young received 23 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. That easily beat New Orleans wide receiver Marques Colston and Jacksonville running back Maurice Drew, who had nine apiece.
DeMeco Ryans, the first pick in the second round of the NFL draft, won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, easily outshining top overall pick Mario Williams by leading the league in solo tackles with 126.
Second was Chicago end Mark Anderson with five votes. Green Bay linebacker A. J. Hawk was next with four.
Police focus on SUV
Police have zeroed in on an SUV they believe might have been used in the drive-by slaying of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, who was eulogized in a private memorial at team headquarters.
Police spokeswoman Virginia Quinones said officers were focusing on a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, which might have been used in the killing early Monday.
A gunman sprayed a white stretch Hummer limousine with at least 14 bullets, one of which struck Williams in the neck.
Colts return to health
Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne, tight end Dallas Clark and safety Bob Sanders all practiced for the Colts, making it more likely the three starters would play in Saturday’s wild-card game against Kansas City. All are still listed as questionable.
Green on shaky ground
Trent Green’s sore ankle limited him in practice and there are signs Kansas City coach Herm Edwards may have his struggling quarterback on a short leash.
Green, who committed three turnovers and got booed in Sunday’s playoff-clinching victory over Jacksonville, is still slated to start Saturday at Indianapolis. But waiting in the wings is fan favorite Damon Huard, who was an impressive 5-3 in eight starts this year.
49ers fire coordinator
The San Francisco 49ers fired defensive coordinator Billy Davis after yielding an NFL-worst 412 points this season. Coach Mike Nolan also dismissed defensive line coach Gary Emanuel.
Around the league
Jeremy Shockey‘s swollen left ankle has improved considerably and there is a good chance the Pro Bowl tight end will play for the New York Giants in Sunday’s NFC wild-card game against the Philadelphia Eagles. … Bengals linebacker David Pollack underwent surgery in Cincinnati for a bone he cracked in his neck in a game nearly four months ago. There were no complications in the surgery performed by spine specialist Dr. Anthony Guanciale, and Pollack was resting comfortably. … Coach Bill Belichick said Rodney Harrison won’t play Sunday for the New England Patriots against the New York Jets because of a leg injury suffered against Tennessee. … The Atlanta Falcons are expected to interview Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt for their head coaching vacancy today. … The Detroit Lions introduced coach Rod Marinelli‘s son-in-law, Joe Barry, as defensive coordinator.